Ava

Right now you can watch Ava in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Jessica Chastain anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

There is a reason Ava keeps coming up in conversation. Ava treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. A black ops assassin is forced to fight for her own survival after a job goes dangerously wrong. Credit to Jessica Chastain and John Malkovich for grounding it — this is a cast that earns the twists. It was released in 2020. The plot mechanics of Ava never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Ava delivers. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Jessica Chastain anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.